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In Focus
Pakistan and Kazakhstan expand bilateral ties
The two countries sign 37 MoUs; agree to trade to USD 1 billion, says PM Shehbaz Sharif
On 04 February, Pakistan hosted the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in Islamabad, the first Kazakh President to visit the country in 23 years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the visit historic and expressed confidence that it would open “new avenues for shared prosperity.” The visit involved high-level meetings with Pakistan’s political leadership, including the Prime Minister and President Asif Ali Zardari, and resulted in the signing of more than 30 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). President Tokayev said his engagement with the PM was “very substantive and productive.” He added that: “Important intergovernmental documents were adopted, focusing on result-oriented engagement across the full bilateral spectrum.” Both countries issued a joint declaration agreeing to expand cooperation across political, economic, security, cultural, and regional dimensions. President Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan on President Tokayev at a ceremony in Islamabad.
Five major takeaways from the meeting
First, a major jump in bilateral trade relations. A central outcome was the commitment to increase bilateral trade to USD 1 billion within a year. At a joint press conference, PM Shehbaz stated: “We agreed to elevate our relations to a strategic partnership, enhance bilateral trade to $1 billion, deepen regional connectivity, and expand cooperation across economic, defence, energy, and people-to-people domains.” The PM added that both countries “signed 37 MoUs”; the agreements and MoUs cut across the petroleum, mining, and maritime sectors. Further, the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Business Forum took place, referring to which President Tokayev stated: “More than 250 companies from both countries will come together and sign a number of commercial agreements.”
Second, cooperation in energy, mining, and agriculture. Energy and resource cooperation made a significant feature at the meeting. PM Shehbaz stated: “Kazakhstan is blessed with infinite natural resources, and you are one of the leading countries in the field of mining minerals and [exporting] them along with petroleum products, oil and gas.” He compared this with the current bilateral trade volume of “just a meagre $250 million,” highlighting that it did not reflect the potential of the two countries. In this context, future energy cooperation was discussed as a “win-win situation.” President Tokayev stated that the two “exchanged views on the prospects of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India TAPI gas pipeline.” Agreements in agriculture were also signed to expand trade and establish joint production facilities.
Third, both sides agree on a transport corridor to improve regional connectivity. PM Shehbaz stated that the two sides agreed to develop the “Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan transport corridor to enhance regional connectivity.” He assured Kazakhstan of “full access to Pakistan’s transit infrastructure and seaport facilities.” President Tokayev referred to Pakistan’s transit role, stating it could “offer us alternative access to international markets,” highlighting Karachi and Gwadar ports as priorities. The sides also agreed to explore the potential for resuming direct air connections between the two countries.
Fourth, Pakistan as a “reliable and important partner in South Asia and beyond.”
In his address, referring to centuries-old ties between the two countries “rooted in the legacy of the great Silk Road,” President Tokayev described Pakistan as a “reliable and important partner in South Asia and beyond.” He commended Pakistan’s role in strengthening peace and stability in the region, its election to the UNSC as a non-permanent member, and the “dynamic development of Pakistan’s defence industry.”
Fifth, bilateral cooperation in defence, security, AI, and emerging technologies. The leaders agreed to “expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the defence industry.” President Tokayev noted that “Cooperation between our security and law enforcement agencies has been developing dynamically in recent years.” Both sides also expressed the importance of working together on emerging technology domains. Tokayev added that we “emphasised the strategic importance of AI and digital technologies, especially for economic growth, and we confirmed our readiness to walk jointly in this field.” (“Confident Kazakh president’s visit will open avenues for shared prosperity, says PM Shehbaz,” Dawn, 04 February 2026; “Pakistan, Kazakhstan sign 30-plus MoUs as Shehbaz seeks $1b trade target,” The Express Tribune, 04 February 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
The UNSC staunchly condemns Balochistan militant attacks as “heinous and cowardly”; Pakistan’s representative to the UN demands swift and collective action
On 05 February, Dawn reported that the UN Security Council strongly condemned the series of militant attacks across Balochistan as “heinous and cowardly acts of terrorism.” The UNSC expressed its “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the victims and reaffirmed that “any act of terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of motivation, timing, or perpetrator.” The council highlighted that it was critical to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism responsible and bring them to justice, urging all states to cooperate with Pakistan in accordance with international law and relevant UNSC resolutions. Pakistan had urged the Security Council to designate the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organisation under its sanctions regime, stating that the listing request was already under consideration by the council.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, expressed hope that the council “will act swiftly to designate BLA under the 1267 sanctions regime, acceding to the listing request that is currently under consideration.” He affirmed that Pakistan, “as a frontline state in the global counterterrorism effort,” had to pay a heavy price in the global fight against terrorism and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment towards eliminating terrorist outfits. Recalling Pakistan’s role in past counterterrorism efforts, he said Al Qaeda’s “core” had been largely decimated in Afghanistan due to Pakistan’s instrumental efforts, and that Pakistan had also played a leading role in countering the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group. However, Ambassador Ahmad cautioned that the security situation has worsened in recent years, particularly following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul. He also warned about the spread of advanced weaponry left behind after the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. Calling for accountability, he pointed to “external destabilising actors” that support, finance and arm such groups, including their proxies operating from Afghan soil. Urging a collective response without double standards, Ambassador Ahmad said the international community must confront today’s terrorist threats through a comprehensive and coordinated approach, including the balanced implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. He further criticised what he termed selective counterterrorism practices, arguing that such policies have disproportionately targeted adherents of a single religion. (“UN Security Council condemns ‘heinous and cowardly acts’ of terrorism in Balochistan,” Dawn, 05 February 2025; “Pakistan urges UNSC to designate BLA as terrorist group,” Dawn, 04 February 2026)
Uzbekistan’s President and high-level delegation set to arrive in Islamabad for two-day visit
On 04 February, as per reports from Dawn, Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated that Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev would arrive in Pakistan on 05 February on a two-day official visit. A high-level delegation of cabinet ministers and business leaders will accompany President Mirziyoyev on his second visit to the country. FO added that the visiting dignitary will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, hold delegation-level talks with PM Shehbaz and address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum. “Discussions will focus on reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral relations and identifying new avenues to further deepen cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, energy, defence, education, people-to-people exchange and regional connectivity,” it stated. The FO also stated that the visit signifies “the upward trajectory in Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations and the brotherly ties between the two brotherly countries, rooted in common history, faith and common aspirations for peace and prosperity in Central and South Asia.” In January, Islamabad and Tashkent had agreed to expand bilateral trade to USD 2 billion as PM Shehbaz met with President Mirziyoyev. (“Uzbekistan president to arrive in Pakistan on Thursday for 2-day visit,” Dawn, 04 February 2026)
JUDICIARY
Sindh sets up judicial commission to investigate Gul Plaza fire
On 05 February, Dawn reported that a single-member judicial commission was formed by the Sindh government to probe the case of the Gul Plaza Fire. The Gul Plaza fire led to the loss of 73 lives and destroyed around 1100 shops. It took around two days to fully extinguished fire. The probe findings are to be submitted within eight weeks. The Commission will examine building approvals and lease extensions from the Sindhi Building Control Authority, its predecessor Organisation and Karachi Municipal Corporation. It will also assess if the construction of Gul Plaza was in violation of the approved building plan. (“Single-member judicial commission formed to probe cause of deadly Gul Plaza fire,” Dawn, 05 February 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
UN experts slam Imaan-Hadi conviction
On 04 February, Dawn reported that five United Nations (UN) experts on Wednesday criticised the conviction of lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chatta. In a joint statement, the five UN special rapporteurs noted that the two were convicted for exercising their rights guaranteed by international law. “Lawyers, like other individuals, are entitled to freedom of expression. The exercise of this right should never be conflated with criminal conduct, especially not terrorism,” they were quoted as saying. They also emphasised the vague definition of terrorism-related offences under Pakistan’s counter-terrorism framework. The two lawyers were sentenced in January to a total of 17 years in prison by an Islamabad session court on multiple charges related to controversial social media posts. Apart from the UN experts, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), the United Nations Human Rights Office and the EU’s Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also raised concerns over the conviction. (“UN experts slam Imaan, Hadi’s convictions; say exercising freedom of expression should never be conflated with criminal conduct,” Dawn, 04 February 2026)
SECURITY
CDF visits Quetta to review security situation after Balochistan attacks
On 5 February, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS)Field Marshall Asim Munir visited Quetta, the provincial capital, to review the security environment after the 31 January targeted attacks by the Balochistan Liberation Army in multiple districts of Balochistan. He had received a comprehensive operational briefing on the prevailing security environment and internal security operations. During the briefing, he remarked that no terrorist or their facilitator would be spared, and no one can rationalise violence and terrorism on any pretext. He, along with Balochistan CM Sarfrz Bugti, also visited the Combined Military Hospital, Quetta, to meet injured personnel belonging to the Army, Balochistan Frontier Corps, and Police. (“CDF Munir says terrorists facilitators will not be spared; no one can rationalise violence on any pretext,” Dawn, 5 February 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Imaan-Hadi conviction
Usama Khilji, “Monopolising truth,” Dawn, 05 February 2026
"Any reasonable person reading the tweets for which Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha have been sentenced to 17 years of rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs36 million will express shock at the sentence. The state must take steps to bridge the trust deficit with its citizens. The extreme measures taken to quell dissent by arresting activists and obliterate political opposition, including the PTI and other groups, is a threat to our future. We already have the highest rate of emigration and brain drain due to draconian policies and their impact on the economy, such as internet slowdown and censorship. The diverse views of all Pakistanis must be respected, rather than making unsuccessful violent attempts to gain monopoly over truth, which only alienates the citizenry further."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1971153/monopolising-truth
Climate change
Jazib Mumtaz, “Decentralising climate action,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Pakistan; it is a lived reality. From catastrophic floods and prolonged droughts to urban heat stress and water scarcity, climate shocks are increasingly shaping livelihoods, growth prospects and social stability. Yet, despite rising international attention and climate finance commitments, a critical question remains unanswered: why does climate finance so often fail to translate into real resilience on the ground? The answer lies less in the availability of funds and more in how climate action is governed."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590818/decentralising-climate-action
Balochistan attacks
Inam Ul Haque, “Terrorists in Balochistan and the indomitable Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"So, the naraz (angry) Baloch led by Mengals and Marris of this world launched coordinated small-scale attacks during the past week across the Baloch belt of the province, targeting civil and military personnel and installations, killing poor Punjabi labourers, without sparing Baloch women and children either. And this was done indiscriminately, with abandon and under the guidance of their foreign patrons who facilitated, guided and planned these attacks."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590819/terrorists-in-balochistan-and-the-indomitable-pakistan
Province
Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, “When constitutional entitlements become grievances,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"The letter written by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is not merely an exchange of official correspondence over delayed fiscal transfers. It is a stark reminder of the widening gap between constitutional promises and fiscal practice in Pakistan's federal system. When constitutionally guaranteed rights begin to resemble discretionary favours, the consequences extend well beyond balance sheets, affecting governance capacity, social stability and national cohesion."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590820/when-constitutional-entitlements-become-grievances
Society
Atif Mehmood, “Violence in plain sight,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"Talking about transgender rights in Pakistan usually makes people shift in their seats. You can see it happen. Someone checks their phone. Another clears their throat. Someone else starts, "Yes, but..." and stops. That reaction alone should tell us something. We avoid this conversation because it forces us to look at things we've learned to ignore. And yet the violence keeps happening, loudly, repeatedly."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590814/violence-in-plain-sight
Corruption
Atif Mehmood, “Corruption perception,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"The Ipsos-FPCCI Index of Transparency and Accountability results in Pakistan show a widening gap between public perception and the reality of corruption in the country. A staggering 68pc of respondents reported that they did not personally face a situation requiring them to pay a bribe but they still believed that bribery is common within state agencies. Similar gaps have been reported for nepotism and illicit enrichment, both seen as widespread but rarely encountered directly. This gap between perception and lived experience signifies a defining feature of the chronic trust deficit between ordinary Pakistanis and the state institutions with which people have to frequently interact on a near daily basis. In other words, the survey paints a picture of public institutions burdened by a reputational loss that far exceeds most citizens’ actual experience."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1971151/corruption-perception
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